Travel Advisor Success Story: Stacey Cabell, Starstuff Travel

Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Stacey Cabell, owner of Starstuff Travel.

How did you get your start as a travel advisor?

I started my travel agency because, as a young mom on a budget, I understood firsthand how challenging it could be to plan meaningful vacations without breaking the bank. Traveling with my kids was so important to me – I wanted to create those special memories, but I also had to be mindful of costs.

I quickly realized that if I was struggling to figure it out, other families were too. Now, more than a decade later, the agency I started has grown into a full-service travel company with nearly 50 independent contractors. But at its core, our mission remains the same – helping families create unforgettable memories together, no matter their budget.

How did you build your business over the years?

After starting my agency, I quickly realized that while I loved helping families create memorable vacations, my real passion was in helping other advisors grow their businesses. I saw firsthand how overwhelming it could be to navigate this industry, and I wanted to provide the support and guidance that I wish I had when I started.

As my agency grew, I gradually shifted my focus from booking a high volume of clients to working on the business side of things – mentoring, training and providing the tools for other agents to thrive. I built systems, created training programs and fostered a collaborative environment where advisors could learn, grow and succeed.

Over the years, this shift completely transformed my agency. Instead of just building a successful travel business for myself, I was now helping others do the same. Watching agents gain confidence, scale their businesses and step outside their comfort zones became the most rewarding part of what I do.

Today, my role is centered around empowering others to reach their full potential. It’s been incredible to see the ripple effect of that growth – not just in their businesses but in their lives.

What characteristics make you a successful advisor?

One of the biggest characteristics that has made me a successful advisor is my ability to adapt and evolve. The travel industry is always changing, and instead of resisting it, I embrace it. Whether it’s learning new technology, navigating unexpected challenges or shifting my business model to better serve my team, I’ve always been willing to pivot and grow.

Another key trait is my passion for building relationships. I’ve never been the type of advisor who just books a trip and moves on – I invest in connections, whether it’s with clients, agents or industry partners. These relationships have been the foundation of my success, leading to better opportunities, stronger collaboration and an agency built on trust and loyalty.

What have been your greatest challenges been?

One of my greatest challenges has been learning how to let go of control and trust the process. In the early years of building my agency, I felt like I had to do everything myself – booking travel, managing operations, training agents and handling every little detail. It took time to realize that in order to grow, I had to step back from doing everything and focus on the bigger picture. Delegating and trusting others was a huge shift for me, but it ultimately allowed my business to thrive.

What have your greatest accomplishments been?

For a long time, I thought that true success for me meant being invited to all the award events, exclusive trainings, fam trips and high-level conferences. I believed that when I ‘made it,’ it would be measured by the designations and accolades I earned. But over the years, I realized that my greatest accomplishments aren’t about my own invitations or awards – they’re  about the moments when my agents are the ones receiving them.

Seeing the people I’ve mentored step into their own success, receive recognition and be valued as leaders in the industry is more rewarding than any award I could ever win for myself. Watching them grow their businesses, gain confidence and achieve things they never thought possible – that’s truly makes me proud.

My greatest accomplishment isn’t just building a successful agency; it’s building a community of travel advisors who are thriving in their own right.

What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?

My biggest tip for new advisors is to remember that everyone started from scratch. Every successful agent you see today was once brand new, figuring it all out just like you are. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the newness of everything, but don’t let that discourage you.

When I first started, I found myself shrinking around others because I wasn’t fully confident in my abilities yet. I held back instead of stepping into my potential, and looking back, I wish I had embraced my journey more. That’s what I want for you – to own where you are right now, lean into the learning process and trust that confidence will come with time and experience.

Ask questions, take chances and don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Growth happens when you put yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable. So, enjoy every moment, celebrate the small wins and know that the most successful people in this industry once stood exactly where you are.

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